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And the winner is...

by
Staff Writer
/ Philadelphia Flyers

In a ceremony prior to the start of Saturday’s regular-season finale against the New York Islanders at the Wells Fargo Center, the Philadelphia Flyers announced the recipients of the 2010-11 Flyers team awards.

Bobby Clarke Trophy (Most Valuable Player) – Claude GirouxHIGHLIGHTSThis season’s Bobby Clarke Trophy was awarded to C/RW Claude Giroux as selected by a panel of sportscasters and sportswriters. Giroux is wrapping up a breakout season that has seen him record 25 goals and 51 assists for 76 points while appearing in all 81 games so far. He leads the team in assists and points, is tied for the lead in power play goals (8) and shorthanded goals (3), and is second in shooting percentage (15.1) entering tonight’s game. His 51 assists are the most for a Flyer since Peter Forsberg recorded 56 in 2005-06, and he is one of just six Flyers (along with Forsberg, Mike Richards, Mark Recchi, Eric Lindros and Rod Brind’Amour) to record 50 or more assists in a season in the last 20 years. Giroux’s numbers are up from his previous career high of 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points last year.

Barry Ashbee Trophy (Outstanding Defenseman) – Andrej MeszarosHIGHLIGHTSIn his first year with the Flyers, Andrej Meszaros was selected as the team’s outstanding defenseman by a panel of sportscasters and sportswriters. Meszaros was acquired from Tampa Bay last July 1 in exchange for a 2nd round draft pick in 2012. He enjoyed a resurgence this season, posting six goals and 22 assists for 28 points – his highest total in three years – while appearing in all but one game. His plus-28 rating leads the Flyers headed into the final game of the year, and represents a 42-point turnaround from his minus-14 rating a year ago. Meszaros averaged 21:09 in ice time per game this year, which is fourth-highest on the roster.

Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy (Most Improved Player) – Andreas NodlHIGHLIGHTSRight wing Andreas Nodl was voted by his teammates as the most improved player from the previous season. Nodl spent his first full season with the Flyers this year, appearing in 66 games so far and posting 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. During the 2009-10 season, Nodl appeared in 10 games for the Flyers (0-1-1) and 65 games for the Phantoms (14-20-34) during the regular season, and played in 10 games during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His previous career high for NHL games in a season was in 2008-09, when he posted a goal and three assists in 38 games with the Flyers.

Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award – Brian BoucherHIGHLIGHTSThe Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) selected goaltender Brian Boucher as this year’s recipient of the Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to the Flyer who best illustrates character, dignity and respect for the sport both on and off the ice.

The award honors the memory of Yanick Dupre, who died on August 16, 1997 at the age of 24 after a 16-month battle with leukemia. Dupre played parts of three seasons with the Flyers (1991-92, 1994-95 and 1995-96), recording two goals and 16 penalty minutes in 35 games. He was originally drafted by the Flyers in the third round (50th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

Gene Hart Memorial Award – Claude GirouxHIGHLIGHTSThe Philadelphia Flyers Fan Club selected RW/C Claude Giroux as the winner of the Gene Hart Memorial Award. This award is given to the player who demonstrated the most “Heart” during the season as voted on by members of the Fan Club at their monthly meetings.

The award honors the memory of longtime Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart. For 28 years, Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart called the organization’s most thrilling moments, and in the process, helped spawn generations of devoted fans. Hart’s contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Flyers Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

Presenting the award to Giroux was Flyers Fan Club president Joe Fisher. The Flyers Fan Club will also donate $1,500 to the charity of Giroux’s choice.

Toyota Cup – Danny BriereHIGHLIGHTSFlyers C/RW Danny Briere has won this season’s Toyota Cup as the Flyer who accumulated the most points associated with being selected as a “Star of the Game.” Briere was named First Star eight times, Second Star six times and Third Star four times for a total of 62 points. Five points were awarded for being selected First Star, three points were awarded for a Second Star performance and one point was awarded for a Third Star selection.

Presenting Briere with the award was Paul Muller, representing the Tri-State Toyota Dealers. In addition, the Tri-State Toyota Dealers will make a $5,000 donation to the charity of Briere’s choice.

Briere has posted a career-high 33 goals entering tonight’s season finale, which is second-highest on the team. He has also added 32 assists for a total of 65 points in 76 games this season. It’s his highest point total since he recorded 72 (31G, 41A) in 2007-08 and it ties for the third-highest point total in his career.